Over his career, Elton John has gone from cutting edge to scoring Disney productions. For most, his legacy will be the pop hits. For me, it will always be his early work with a cadre of some of the most accomplished musicians of the era.
Elton's third album was a departure from the piano-centric album that gave the world "Your Song." Tumbleweed Connection was (almost) a concept album based on the post-Civil War American West. Thus, the guitar figured much more prominently.
During those sessions, Elton recorded (but ultimately shelved) a song called "Madman Across the Water" with guitarist Mick Ronson (probably best known for his work with David Bowie as part of the Spiders from Mars).
The song ultimately became the title track of Elton's fourth album (without Ronson's biting guitar)...and his return to a more polished, less guitar driven sound (a shift that would continue to successively round off the edges through the years until he was no longer a rock star but a pop star).
On this Music Friday, we offer up the original recording of "Madman Across the Water" with the amazing Mick Ronson. For those that are unfamiliar with the ultimate version, it's here. And, for a live rendition, here.
Take my word. I'm a Madman, don't you know.
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